Giving your first public speech is no easy feat. Fear of speaking in public (glossophobia) afflicts millions of people worldwide. In many professions having a certain amount of public speaking is expected.

Here are a few tips that will help you give your first public speech and ace it! 

Keep it simple: 

If like me, you enjoy watching great speakers you may have seen that a good speech does not have to be extravagant to be effective. Simplicity and clarity are key tactics used by most professional speakers. One of my top tips for anyone, whether they are giving their first or their fiftieth speech, is to remember the acronym K.I.S.S Keep It Simple Stupid! A common mistake people make when giving their first speech is to try and cover too much material. You can have the most amazing presentation skills, but if your words are all over the place and the audience can’t follow what you are talking about, your speech will be quickly forgotten. Take your audience on a journey by writing a clear, well-structured speech and you will be off to a great start. Much of what goes into public speaking happens behind the scenes, way before you pick up the microphone and get a glance of your audience. Preparation and practice are key. This leads me nicely on to my next two points. 

Be Prepared:

Former scouts amongst you will be familiar with the famous motto ‘Be Prepared’. Before the day of your speech confirm that you know how to get to the venue (the address, where to park, public transport times if necessary), or if you are speaking online prepare any login in details you may need, check what time you are speaking and assess any technical requirements necessary. This will ease your nerves on your big day and allow you to focus on what matters, your speech! 

Practice Practice Practice:

Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.

Malcolm Gladwell

It’s a cliché but practice does make perfect. Aim to start practicing at least a week before your speech, however, if time is not on your side just practice as much as possible! I recommend practicing your speech in front of someone else, it may be nerve-wracking the first time but it will help build your confidence. Another great way to practice is to record yourself delivering your speech on video, you will be able to see any changes that need to be made. It’s a quick and easy way to see any errors you may be making. 

Focus on Delivery: 

Try not to read your speech word for word off a piece of paper. Instead, connect with the audience, look at them, make eye contact, engage with them. If you are staring down at a piece of paper for the duration of your speech, connection with your audience will be impossible. Memorize your speech, or at least the opening and the closing sections. If you still need your notes, try using bullet points. This will encourage you to stay on track without being tempted to read word for word.

Finally, take it easy on yourself. If you make a mistake, take a deep breath and find your focus. Remember, the audience is on your side. If your speech goes perfectly, great! If you make a mistake, just remember you are only human and you have taken your first step on the journey to being a confident public speaker, your next speech will be even better!